Police searching for suspect after hammer attack in Coquille

COQUILLE, Ore. -- Police are searching for a suspect after a hammer attack in a tavern in Coquille.

Paul Frasier, district attorney for Coos County, tells KEZI 9 News that the suspect is 46-year-old Richard Eugene Dockery of Coquille.

Dockery entered the Four Seasons Inn around 4:30 Wednesday afternoon, Frasier said, and struck one man in the head with a claw hammer. The victim, Dan Navarro, was lying on the floor suffering from an apparent skull fracture and was taken to Coquille Valley Hospital. Frasier said Navarro was later transferred to RiverBend hospital in Springfield.

Frasier said Dockery and Navarro had never met.

"They didn't know each other from Adam," Frasier said.

Three patrons inside the bar intervened to stop the attack, Frasier said. At that point, Dockery exited the building and was spotted walking north toward his home.

Frasier said police are waiting for a search warrant to enter Dockery's house, although it's unknown if Dockery is inside.